Former France international Marcel Desailly has advised Real Madrid to consider parting ways with Vinícius Júnior, questioning whether the Brazilian forward’s partnership with Kylian Mbappé is delivering enough value to the team. In comments reported by GOAL on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the former defender argued that allowing Vinícius to leave could be worth considering as Madrid attempt to improve their attacking performance under manager José Mourinho.

Vinícius recently committed his future to the Spanish giants by signing a new long-term contract. However, concerns have emerged over his performances, with some observers questioning whether he has maintained the level expected of a player regarded as one of the club’s leading attacking figures. His difficulties have also intensified debate about how effectively he and Mbappé can operate together.

Speaking on beIN Sports, Desailly questioned whether Real Madrid should have retained the Brazilian rather than exploring the possibility of a transfer. He suggested the club could have used the opportunity to pursue other attacking options better suited to its current needs.

The former Chelsea defender also focused on the relationship between Vinícius and Mbappé, arguing that their combination has yet to produce the results anticipated when the two forwards were brought together. Both players are accustomed to operating from the left side of the attack, potentially creating tactical complications when Mourinho attempts to accommodate them in the same starting lineup.

Desailly believes a move away from Madrid could give Vinícius an opportunity to escape the growing criticism surrounding his recent displays. A different club and environment, in his view, might help the Brazilian rebuild his confidence and demonstrate his abilities without the pressure currently surrounding his performances at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The forward’s situation has attracted further attention following his red card against Villarreal. The dismissal reportedly resulted in a four-match suspension in La Liga, temporarily depriving Mourinho of one of his most recognisable attacking options. His absence could also limit the manager’s opportunities to work on the team’s attacking combinations and assess different tactical arrangements.

Nevertheless, Vinícius’s individual struggles do not fully explain Real Madrid’s inconsistent performances. The team has also faced questions about its midfield structure and ability to move possession effectively since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić. Their exits have left concerns about creativity, control and progression through central areas, suggesting that improvements elsewhere on the pitch may be necessary.

Despite his recent difficulties, Vinícius remains a valuable attacking asset when playing at his best. His pace, close control, dribbling and ability to create opportunities in one-on-one situations make him capable of changing the course of matches. His contribution to Madrid’s European success is also significant, having scored in two Champions League finals.

Those achievements make any decision to sell him a major consideration for the club. Madrid would need to weigh the potential benefits of changing its attacking structure against the risk of losing a player who has already demonstrated his ability to deliver on football’s biggest stages.

Mourinho therefore faces a tactical challenge as he seeks to restore consistency to the team. Rather than immediately sacrificing one of his leading forwards, the manager must determine whether a different formation or clearer division of responsibilities could allow Vinícius and Mbappé to complement each other more effectively. How the Brazilian responds after his suspension could become an important factor in shaping the debate over his future in Madrid.